Emulsion droplet micro-explosion: Analysis of two experimental approaches

Combustion of water in oil A-emulsions is still considered as a useful technology for the energy conversion of waste oil. One of the most relevant advantages is related to the phenomenon of micro-explosion (mu-e) that produces the secondary atomization of the oil. Several experimental approaches have been proposed in the last years with the aim to characterize the mu-e effect under different conditions. In this paper, an experimental comparison between the two useful approaches is presented. The results obtained with the technique of the Suspended droplet will be related to data present in the literature, obtained through the Leidenfrost technique. Quantitative thermal results such as the mu-e temperature and the fall temperature after mu-e show the most important differences. The important role played by the separation process as coalescence and creaming in both approaches is also discussed. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.